Dogs are an amazing addition to the world around us, and even more so to take into your home and make a part of your family. Dogs bring us joy, friendship, and offer us unconditional love and loyalty. With so many breeds, and so many shelters and adoption agencies, how do you know which dog to choose? Do you choose one based on its appearance? Or maybe you choose one based on its temperament? In any aspect, there are many questions.
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The first question most people ask when adopting a dog is what is the best breed of dog when adopting? While most breeds are all the same (four paws, wet noses and a big smile) some kinds might not be right for you. If you don’t want the hassle of a larger dog, consider a small breed (but know that many small breeds have tendencies to bark, and their barks can be shrill). If you want a dog that is rugged, consider a larger breed (but know that many large breed dogs are strong, are strong willed and will take a “pack leader” in the house hold to ensure the dog knows who is boss). Are there breeds that you like better than others? Just like cats, dogs have some strong willed and strong minded personalities. Some will be domineering dogs, some will be lap dogs. Most breeds are the same though, looking for love! Consider any and all breeds, or consider ones that you know you will like.
How to Adopt a Dog:
Many people don’t know how to adopt a dog. Most people it is as simple as walking into a shelter, looking at all the wagging tails, and choosing one, and the shelter letting you take them home. In many cases, that isnt how it works. Good and reputable shelters will give you an adoption application to fill out. Questions on the applications often include housing status (rent or own, since many landlords don’t allow pets), if you are working or have income (to show that you can provide for the dog), if you have children (because some dogs might not do good around kids) and if you have other pets (because some dogs don’t like cats and small animals). Usually there is a 24-48 hour waiting period to hear back from them. In cases where an animal has been abused or neglected, good shelter advocates and staff will recommend (or even require) a home inspection before you can adopt. If all goes well, you sign the adoption papers and Rover goes home with you that day. Online applications and shelter may work differently.
Adopt a Dog Advantages and Disadvantages
While there are many advantages to adoption, there can also be set backs. Advantages include giving shelter pets a good home, having company and companionship, dogs will often be protectors of children and families, and you are giving another spot to a shelter pet who may eventually get adopted too. Drawbacks on adoption though can be many. If you aren’t raising the dog from a puppy, you may not know its temperament, if they are good with kids and other animals, if they have medical conditions sometimes and other complications.
Make sure that you ask questions, do your research and consider all options (including advantages and disadvantages) carefully when adopting.